Classified Employee of the Month

Meet Shari Pasquali

Shari Pasquali, program coordinator and certifying official for Veteran Services, began her journey at De Anza College five years ago when she was hired to assist in the Evaluations Department of Admissions and Records. Pasquali also worked at the front counter assisting students in A&R, and it wasn’t long before she was appointed as the certifying official in Veteran Services for the college.

“After settling in as the Veteran Services program coordinator, I knew De Anza was where I wanted to be,” she says. “Finally, after years of searching, I found my place in the world.”

In that place, Pasquali helps student veterans like Steve Perez, one of the two students who nominated her for this award. Perez is a former president of the Veterans Club and has seen first-hand her genuine concern and care for students.

“I interact with Shari a few times a month,” Perez says. “She guides students through difficult transition periods in their lives and provides the order and structure they need to succeed in school.” Perez says Pasquali is always patient and caring. “She is truly devoted to service and has a servant’s heart.

Jason Rikkonen, Pasquali's other student nominator, says she is, “one of those people that no matter what you need done, she will get it done.” Rikkonen says she sacrifices a lot of time and effort to ensure that all 345 veterans at De Anza are taken care of. “Whether she’s assisting them with their education plans, helping them figure out why their money for school and books hasn’t come in, or simply just to be there to listen, they know Shari will help them,” Rikkonen says.

And he says she does it all with a smile, every day, and is viewed as selfless, kind, generous, warm-hearted and a second mother and guiding light to all the vets on campus. “Just simply talking with her will show you how much she deserves this award,” Rikkonnen says.

Pasquali is a big part of what makes a great educational experience for student veterans. “I love my job,” Pasquali says. “It is a great feeling when you are actually able to make a difference.”